Manfrotto 494RC2 overview

1Description

This 494RC2 Mini Ball Head from Manfrotto features an integrated RC2 quick release cam lock and a 200PL-14 Quick Release Plate. RC2 compatible quick release plates such as the 200PL-14 can removed from the head by pulling the cam lock's spring-loaded lever, which also allows the plate to be instantly reattached.

The 494RC2 Mini Ball Head with 200PL-14 Quick Release Plate has a load capacity of 8.8 lb and can be attached to tripods or other support systems that feature a 3/8"-16 mount. By loosening the 494RC2 Mini Ball Head's locking knob, its ball-and-socket joint can be quickly swiveled, angled, fully tilted, or returned to its upright position. An additional knob opposite the locking knob can be rotated to apply tension control to the ball-and-socket joint's movements.

Cameras or accessories that are compatible with a 1/4"-20 mount can be connected to the 200PL-14 quick release plate which measures 1.7 x 2.1 x 0.4" and has a rubberized, non-slip surface.

494RC2 Mini Ball Head

8.8 lb load capacity

Compatible with tripods or support systems that feature a 3/8"-16 mount

Uses ball-and-socket joint to help maximize pan-and-tilt flexibility

Ball-and-socket joint provides 360° of swivel control, is tiltable down to a 90° angle, and can be locked into place

Integrated RC2 quick release cam lock

Locking knob allows ball-and-socket joint to be quickly swiveled, angled, fully tilted, or returned to its upright position

Dedicated tension control knob for the ball-and-socket joint's movements

Manfrotto 494RC2 reviews

494RC2 Mini Ball Head with 200PL-14 Quick Release Plate is rated
4.5 out of
5 by
142.

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Lavender Bouquet Photography from
Versatile Ball HeadI bought this mini ball head for my Manfrotto tripod. The head is easy to maneuver and fine tune to compensate for unlevel ground. One downside is that it's fairly difficult to turn my SLR completely vertical because the bottom part of the head gets in the way. Someone with a different camera may not have this problem, but that's the only negative thing I have to say about this ball head. The quick release has a safety feature so you can't accidentally release your camera from the head. This is one of my favorite features. I highly recommend this ball head to anyone!

Date published: 2010-11-07

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Denny from
Greater Stability for My Sunpak TripodI bought the 494 ball head with the RC2 QR to replace an existing pistol grip ball head and quick release on my Sunpak three-section fiber glass triipod. The Sunpak quick release plate is not compatible with Manfrotto quick release adapters on my other tripod and monopod. With the Manfrotto ball head on my Sunpak tripod, I've gained more stability for my DSLR with heavy lenses and the Manfrotto 200PL quick release plate is compatible with the quick release adapters installed on all my other support devices. Also, the tension adjustment feature on the 494 ball head makes it easier and faster to adjust the ball head than the model it replaced, the 484.

Date published: 2012-07-24

Rated 5 out of
5 by
GoneTomorrow from
Simple and functionalGot this head for a set of Gitzo Mountaineer 1127 MK2 Sport Carbon Fiber legs. The 494 head is the perfect size for those legs. I love Manfrotto ball heads of this type because of their simplicity; just one lever unlocks the ball, no large protruding handle like the grip heads. Made of sturdy materials and lightweight. The only possible con would be the friction knob. The older generation of heads (488, 486, 484) didn't have this and I wish it wasn't added to Manfrotto's newer heads. It's an extra knob that just gets in the way. Not a big deal in the end since the knob is small.

Date published: 2010-08-30

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Plane Michael from
Nice ball head for the pricePlanning to use this ball head primarily on a table dolly for the Nikon D5100. Thought I would test the friction out using my much heavier D80 with 18-200 Nikkor lens (3lb 2.7oz). Minimum torquing on the friction lock holds camera firmly in position. I'm a huge fan of the Manfrotto QR design as it holds the camera plate nicely and engages the safety latch for extra security. Looks like I'll need to invest in a hot shoe level to set the camera up just right.Will be curious to see how the friction on the ball holds up over time but if it's anything like some of the other Manfrotto products I own, I'll have a trouble-free piece of equipment

Date published: 2014-06-28

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Tony from
Pretty coolI got this so that I could use a monopod in a lot of different ways. I just recently started using a DSLR as my main video cam and all the old ways are now out of the window, which is where you can put the DSLR if you have one of these on a monopod. Everything is smaller and lighter. And stunning. This is well made, and while I don't full trust the quick release I have no reason not to. The adjustment dial let's you fine tune the ball movement more than I expected. Since this is considered a photography product it seems great for that in conjunction with a monopod. This is not my primary interest however.

Date published: 2010-04-07

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Backpacking CaliberI bought this ball head to go with a 190CX Pro 4 Carbon fiber tripod. The combination is super lightweight and I use it exclusively for backpacking for 1 night or more... Pros: Very lightweight Small head: (does not stick out of a pack nor does it have knobs and buttons that are easily snagged on brush) Can handle just enough weight (I use a Canon 40D with a Tokina 11-16mm wide angle lens when out in the wilderness and it can easily hold that weight). Cons: Does not attach to the tripod as securely as I would like for it only utilizes the 3/8 middle screw. None of the supporting screws are used. Tightening knob will hit the base of the tripod plate in certain positions. They could have made the ball housing slightly taller to avoid this. Although, just repositioning the head and camera corrects the issue temporarily.

Date published: 2010-10-05

Rated 5 out of
5 by
PJC Photo from
Good Support!Purchased this head for quick adjustments with my Lastolite Ezybox II light box! It seems to be the perfect match! It can easily handle the weight of the box, bracket, and the two strobes without any difficulty! I prefer the ball head to the supplied swivel bracket as I can move it from a light stand, to a monopod, or t-pod for support easily with the Manfrotto QR system. Also it's much more stable than the swivel support! Adjustments in any direction are a quick 1/2 turn away! You'll need a Manfrotto 014-38 Rapid Adapter, and Manfrotto 119 Short Adapter Spigot (currently less than $15 for both) to mount it to most light stands, but that's it! I've paired my with the Avenger A0025B leveler stand, and 10LB Manfrotto weight. A supurb combo for any conditions!

Date published: 2013-08-20

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Kevin Moran from
Manfrotto quality, good priceThis is a nice ball head, especially for the price. It is well built and the knobs lock down the ball very firmly so your camera will remain stable. My only gripe is that I wish Manfrotto had taken a page from the Sirui ball heads and included a separate control for panning only. I've used this ball head as well as a similar Sirui model (the C-10) on a monopod for sports photography and I find the Sirui model a bit better since it has a separate panning control knob that allows me to pan across a moving subject while still locking down the pitch and roll aspects of the ball. But the Sirui model is quite a bit more expensive.